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EMBATTLED. Former Bureau of Customs chief Isidro Lapeña faces graft complaints filed by the National Bureau of Investigation with the Department of Justice. File photo by Darren Langit/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Embattled former Bureau of Customs (BOC) chief Isidro Lapeña continues to enjoy President Rodrigo Duterte's trust despite the complaints filed against him by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) over the smuggling of shabu.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo replied in the affirmative when he was asked on Monday, January 28, if Lapeña is still among the President's trusted men.

"Yes. He remains constitutionally presumed to be innocent," Panelo said during a Palace news briefing.

The spokesman was then asked what Duterte's basis is for continuing to trust Lapeña, who was appointed director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) after his stint at the BOC.

"Because he (Duterte) knows him personally. He has worked with him and he trusts him," said Panelo.

Lapeña had served as Davao City police chief back when Duterte was still mayor of the southern city.

Lapeña is facing two complaints related to the multibillion-peso shabu smuggling mess.

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Welcome to Rappler, a social news network where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fuelled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make waves).